Page 42 of Beau

Shelby shook his hand but wouldn’t meet his eyes. Beau looked at Mr. Jones.

“Is there somewhere we could sit and talk?”

“Sure, come into the living room.” Jones led the way.

Beau did his best not to grin as he looked at the boy shuffling his feet like he was going to his hanging.

“Have a seat, Agent. Would you like something to drink? Water? Coffee?”

“No, thank you.” Beau waited for Shelby to sit before he did. He wanted to make him as comfortable as possible while he questioned him.

After Shelby and his father sat down, Beau sat in a recliner, and stared at the boy.

“Agent—” Jones stopped when Beau glanced at him and shook his head.

“Mr. Jones, I’m here to ask some questions concerning a stolen horse and I’d like him to speak for himself.”

“A stolen horse? Why would Shelby steal a horse?”

Beau didn’t answer him, he just stared at Shelby before speaking.

“Shelby? Do you know anything about a horse stolen from the Lawrence ranch?”

“No,” Shelby muttered.

“Are you sure about that? I know you weren’t the ringleader, but you do know who was. Do you realize how much trouble you’re in by stealing that horse?”

Shelby looked at him, then at his father.

“I’m sorry.”

“Sorry? Are you telling me you were involved in a theft?” Jones bellowed as he stood and paced, then stopped in front of Shelby. “You tell the truth. No matter what. Do you understand me?”

“Yes, sir.” Shelby swallowed hard and looked at Beau.

“How many of you were involved?” Beau asked.

“Three of us.”

“You, Timmy Matthews, and Donnie Simpson, correct?”

“Yes.”

“Why did you boys take the horse?”

“Donnie said he thought it would be fun and we didn’t have to worry about getting into trouble since we’re under eighteen.”

“He’s not exactly right. You can’t be put in prison since you’re under eighteen, but I can still arrest you and put you in juvenile detention. Trust me, it’s not fun.”

“Juvie? I don’t want to go there. Can’t I just pay a fine?”

“Oh, you’ll be paying a fine too.”

“But I really didn’t do anything. I sat in the truck while Timmy and Donnie went after the horse.”

“I understand that, but you were there. You’d probably get a lighter sentence than the other two, but you will have to pay for your crime. Son, rustling is a federal offense, and I will make sure all three of you are punished for it.”

“Donnie said if we got caught, all we’d have to do is community service, like Joey Callaway did.”

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